Wynnum Manly Seagulls dug deep to claim a hard-fought 22-16 victory over Burleigh Bears at UAA Park.
The away side showed resilience in defence and spark in attack, with tries to Tayla Sykes, Natalea Elias, Tafito Lafaele and Layne Bennett giving the Seagulls a crucial edge. Cortez Te Pou’s steady boot added three goals to ensure the result.
Burleigh, who will now host Norths Devils in Week 1 of the finals, fought hard through Moana Cook, Shaianne McGlone and Raewyn Olomalii, but couldn’t quite reel in Wynnum.
The Brisbane Tigers continued to set the benchmark, extending their unbeaten streak with a commanding 36-4 triumph over the competition’s youngest side in the CQ Capras at Totally Workwear Stadium.
The ladder leaders were simply relentless, with Namoe Gesa and Aleksandra Tunufai both grabbing doubles in a performance dripping with confidence and class. Courtney Robinson, India Seeto, Rosa-Millan Lefono and Lorren Ieli also scored, while Enah Desic added the extras.
The Capras’ sole try came through Tahnee-lea Holt as they bowed out of the regular season still searching for their first win. The Tigers’ ruthless form means they’ll enjoy a well-earned week off before stepping straight into a preliminary final.
In Toowoomba, the Norths Devils held off a fast-starting Western Clydesdales to record a 24 -18 victory and, crucially, secure their spot in the finals, finishing in 6th place for the regular season.
The Devils’ strike power was on display with Natahlia Moors, Amy Bird, Courtney Tyrell, Rowena Koonwaiyou and Mia Holo all finding the line. Bird’s two goals proved vital as the Clydesdales, led by Lucy Davis, Therese Aiton, Morgan Prentice and Taylor Fenton finished behind the Devils by a single try. Despite the early surge, Norths held their nerve, a performance that sets up a sudden-death showdown with Burleigh next week.
The Sunshine Coast Falcons produced one of the standout performances of the season, lighting up Kawana Sports Precinct with a 44-12 demolition of Tweed Seagulls.
It was a day to remember for Makayla Henry, who ran in a dazzling hat-trick, while Larissa Crummer added another two tries and two goals. The Falcons’ maintained a consistent onslaught throughout the game, with their defence finally faltering in the final 5 minutes.
Tweed showed flashes of brilliance with Linneke Gevers and Jennifer Ladewig finally breaking over the try line, but the Falcons’ speed and finishing proved unstoppable. Despite the emphatic win, the Falcons narrowly missed the top six, while Tweed’s season also came to an end.
North Ipswich Reserve played host to one of the games of the round, with Ipswich Jets and Mackay Cutters fighting out a thrilling 24-all draw.
The Jets looked to have been in control, for majority of the game off the back of Gemma Schnaubelt’s double alongside, Athena Vili, Tanika Newton and Moria Fetu who also crossed.
But the Cutters simply refused to give in, with Kaitlin Daley, Alofa Apulu, China Polata and Theophelia Mosby-Nona all scoring to set up a nail-biting finish. Emily Bella’s perfect record from the tee ensured the points were shared. The result was enough for the Jets to secure fourth place and a home final against Northern Pride. The clash is now locked in for next Sunday.
In Cairns, Souths Logan Magpies edged Northern Pride 22-20 in a gripping contest that highlighted just how tight the competition is.
The Magpies started brightly through Keira Rangi and increased pressure with Harlem Walker before Joeannah Naime and Kaylani Tavita added further tries. Tied at halftime, it was Jodeci Nicholson’s three successful goals that secured Souths just enough breathing space.
The Pride played with everything on the line. Brandy Yallop, Sian Williams, Jairel-Ellen Martin-Savage and Elianna Suluvale all scoring in a spirited home effort, but the Magpies’ ability to hold their nerve with the final two tries proved the difference. Souths’ win locks them into second spot and a week off, while Pride will need to rebound quickly as they head into a sudden-death clash against the Jets.
